Fallball 2011: North Carolina Tar Heels Check-In

When asked if there was a certain theme to this year’s fall practice, North Carolina attackman Thomas Wood, without hesitation, said one word: “Competition.”

Such competition was evident in the Tar Heels’ early morning practice. The team spent roughly three quarters of the practice scrimmaging in various ways. Coach Joe Breschi kept the score of every different scrimmage drill, with the loser running sprints afterward.

The competition was palpable within position groups, too. With each substitution for a first-teamer, the intensity raised to a new level. Freshmen were looking to prove their worth, and upperclassmen were determined to not be out-done by the rookies.

Fall Focus

On top of competition and intensity, UNC has put an added focus on ground balls and transition.

The defense began practice with a ground ball drill, and the whole team ended practice with a six-on-six scrimmage that started with possessing a ground ball.

The Tar Heels spent a considerable amount of time running the “Cornell Drill.” In this drill, the team would run an offensive set, but in the end the goalie would send an outlet pass to a midfielder streaking up the side of the field. The midfielders would rotate with every possession, but the whole team was practicing scrambling across the field in transition scenarios.

Fresh Faces

Many of the freshmen have stuck out two weeks into fall practice. Wood said that it’s tough to pick the ones that will challenge for starting roles because almost all of the freshmen have been impressive.

On the attack, Jimmy Bitter, younger brother of Tar Heel All-American Billy Bitter, was running with the first team in some drills. Offensive Coordinator Pat Myers spent a good amount of time going over formations and plays with Bitter, trying to get the freshman installed in the offense early. Bitter is a technically sound player with a knack for being in the right spot, and he should complement Nicky Galasso and Wood well up top.

In the midfield, Derek Henson and Walker Chafee stood out among the freshman class. Henson is an offensive-minded midfielder with explosive potential. He is quick and is capable of getting his shot off in tight situations. Chafee, standing at 6-5, had one of the largest physical presences on the field.

Senior defender Mark Staines said that he was equally impressed with the rookie defenders as he was with the crop of talented offensive newcomers. He added that Brian Sullivan and Ryan Kilpatrick have stepped up in fall practices.

Emala and McBride are two attackmen that should greatly benefit UNC. Emala was Georgetown’s leading points-producer last season, and McBride is a two-time All-Ivy League performer from Princeton.

Wood said that both Emala and McBride are fitting in seamlessly so far this fall. Emala saw some run with the first team and made a few big plays in scrimmage action. Emala graduated from the Gilman School in 2009 and joins four other Tar Heels who are Gilman alums. That connection has made Emala fit right in without any chemistry issues. McBride brings a wealth of experience to an otherwise young UNC team. He flourished during the team’s transition drill and should add speed and savvy to the Tar Heel attack.

Top Dogs

Filling the holes left by attackman Billy Bitter and defender Ryan Flanagan is certainly no easy task. Knowing you can’t just replace two players who received national honors, the Tar Heels are instead looking to fill them by committee.

Leading the way on attack is last season’s leading points-producer Nicky Galasso. While the attack ran through formations and drills, it was evident that Galasso will be the focal point. Galasso came back this fall looking more in-shape than last season, and he can still get to the cage and finish better than any other Tar Heel on the roster.

Bolstering the attack is Wood, a returning starter from last season. Wood is the offensive leader of the Tar Heels, and as a senior his experience has been important for a young, yet talented, group. Galasso, Wood, Bitter, Emala and McBride bring a formidable attack that looked crisp all practice long. With Wood and Galasso assumed to be starters, it will be a tight battle for the remaining starting slots on the attack.

Staines looks to be the guy to take Flanagan’s spot. Staines is playing in the long-pole middle position and is the team’s top defender as a senior. Midfielder Logan Corey was also practicing with the defensive unit and has stepped forward this fall as a vocal leader.

Pat Foster and Marcus Holman are midfielders that are playing with the first unit this fall. Foster and Holman provide structure to the attack and are offensive weapons with strong shots.

UNC will face Ohio State on Oct. 9 at Calvert Hall High School in Towson, Md., for its opening fallball game.

Inside Lacrosse is checking in with teams over the fall. A full list of check-ins as they are done can be found here.